Masdar to Hold the First World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi

The world’s leading experts, innovators, scientists, and venture capitalists in the field of future energy are set to converge on Abu Dhabi in January 2008 for the First World Future Energy Summit (WFES), to be held at the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC) signed an agreement with Turret Middle East to appoint them as the summit organizers. WFES will host about 150 of the world’s most renowned speakers, innovators, and experts in clean energy, alongside a 14,000 square meter exhibition showcasing the present and future state of alternative energy technologies in what is expected to be the largest dedicated gathering of its kind in the world.

Masdar, which is driven by ADFEC, is a unique initiative in that it adopts a comprehensive multi-faceted approach to alternative energy. This approach encompasses education, funding, and technology development as complementary contributors to the creation of clean energy initiatives and applications. Supported by the world’s leading energy concerns, including Shell, BP, Occidental Petroleum, Total, Mistusbishi, Mitsui, GE, Rolls Royce, RWTH Aachen, and the Imperial College of London, the initiative is creating a globally supported regional hub for the development of sustainable energy. The initiative is further supported by Abu Dhabi’s leading government and non-government agencies, such as ADNOC, ADWEA and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

On announcement of the Summit, ADFEC CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “When HH General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched Masdar last April, we wanted to create an environment that spearheads the development of alternative energy technologies. Abu Dhabi has a strong heritage of commitment to the environment, and it is our responsibility to take this commitment to the highest levels. Science and technology clusters, investment funds, education and career development, as well as exhibitions and conferences such as the World Future Energy Summit are the starting point that we and our partners and supporters are implementing towards this commitment.” The Summit will feature some of the world’s leading experts and drivers of future energies in an exhibition and conference forum that includes innovations, venture capital and finance, education and enterprise development in the areas of solar energy, carbon dioxide capture and storage, sustainable desalination, and energy efficiency in buildings and industry.

Masdar has launched a $250 million Clean Technology Fund – one of the largest in the world – and established the Masdar Research Network, a collaboration framework with six internationally renowned education institutions.

ADFEC is a private joint-stock company incorporated in Abu Dhabi and wholly-owned by Mubadala Development Company. ADFEC is mandated to drive the Masdar Initiative, Abu Dhabi’s landmark program to leverage Abu Dhabi’s energy expertise and financial resources into innovative global solutions for cleaner, more sustainable energy.

Turret Middle East is a leading international events organizer that has managed some of Abu Dhabi’s largest energy shows, including ADIPEC and Gastech. A foundation partner at the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Turret is actively contributing to the establishment of iconic global events in Abu Dhabi.